2014 Hyundai Equus Refresh Details Revealed Ahead Of New York Debut

Moving from a very budget image to a premium image isn't easy in any business, perhaps especially in the car business, where product development cycles limit the pace of advancement. But despite the challenges, Hyundai has risen to surprising heights over the past decade, thanks to its Genesis sedan, and, more recently, the Equus.

Due for an update for the 2014 model year, the refreshed Equus will be on display at the 2013 New York Auto Show next week. Today, the company released new information and a clearer version of the teaser image shown earlier this month.

Updates include new LED adaptive headlights and LED tail lights, new 18- and 19-inch wheel choices, and new paint colors, according to J.D. Power & Associates.

A new smart key replaces the previous fob, now styled to look like a credit card. Passive access and ignition are standard.

The single engine offering stays the same, with the 429-horsepower 5.0-liter Tau V-8 providing the motivation. A new shift-by-wire transmission is now standard, with a new gear selector to control it.

The combination of the updates should provide a level of improvement and refinement to the already bargain-priced luxury sedan, making it an even more enticing value--but we'll have to wait until we can get behind the wheel to confirm our expectations.